‘BELLE OF NEW YORK,

Evening Star, Issue 21254, 8 November 1932, Page 7

‘BELLE OF NEW YORK,

SPARKLING ANO SPGETACULAR OPERATIC SOCIETY'S BIGGEST SUCCESS The Dunedin Operatic and Dramatic Society has definitely achieved its biggest success with ‘ The Belle of New York,’ which was played for the first time by the society in His Majesty’s last evening. This very delightful old musical comedy is one of the few that stand frequent revival, _ and its performance on this occasion is most timely. It is decidedly above the usual run of musical comedies (else it would not have survived), and it presents to tlio amateur a difficult test both in music and character work. And to see and hear such a convincing interpretation as this demonstrates very forcibly that the local society does possess young people of exceptional theatrical attributes. Of course, the general excellence of last night’s presentation was largely due to Mr Stan Lawson and Mr Kirk-Burnnand. Mr Lawson produced the show admirably and dressed it brilliantly, showing a keen appreciation of the finer points of stage production in every colourful scene. The music (Mr Kirk-Burnnand’s department) was quite the best the society has given us. Both the solo and chorus music were extremely clear and spirited and gave the action of the comedy immediate point. There was a most delightful verve about the whole show, which for a first night went off splendidly. The action was smooth, and sustained the keenest interest, and there was indeed little of the raggedness that generally manifests itself in a first performance. The players were sure of themselves, and spontaniety marked all their work. The principals were very happily chosen and portrayed that colourful assembly who enact tho “ story ” very brightly. First there was Miss Lettie De Clifford, who gave ns a very charming performance in tho title role. Miss De Clifford was the personification of the demure little Salvation Army girl, and captivated the entire audience with her winning delineation. The society is fortunate in having this young lady to grace its leading feminine roles,_ for her combination of vocal and histrionio attributes is rare. Tho most dominating performance of the evening was undeniably that of Mr Reg. Tapley, who was an excellent Ichabod Bronson, tho millionaire leader of the Young Men’s Rescue League. Mr Tapley was thoroughly at his ease in this robust part and amused everyone immensely with bis broad but deft comedy. Mr Jim M'Farlane, that very personable juvenile lead, had in Harry Bronson a type of characterisation in which he excels. Mr M'Farlane has been suffering from a severe cold, and was wisely nursing his voice. This young man has a very attractive stage style. Mr Lawson was the Polite Lunatic, and sustained this difficult part splendidly, much of his work being original and all of it very telling. Some of the less important roles were equally arresting— Mr Arthur Lungley’s particularly so. Mr Lungley was “ Blinky Bill ” M'Glirk, and a most convincing Bowery tough in every detail of voice and gesture. Mr A. M'Dowell, who suggested a Shakespearean tragedian more than a low comedian, was pontifieally impressive as Kenneth Mngg. Miss Gwenda Burt, always a competent and authoritative player, was an ideal Cora Angcliquc. Miss Burt has an assured stylo and a clear appreciation of her role. Miss Isa. Duff was a very intriguing Fifi, singing and acting very charmingly. Miss Duff managed her slight voice very delightfully in her vocal numbers. Miss Doreen Dore was a very spirited foil for Mr Lnngley as his tough “ goil friend.” Miss Mary Jolly was another delightful Bowery character. Minor parts were played by Misses Dorothy Sligo, Shona Drumm, Mary Campbell, Amy Dyer, Minnie Frapwell, Eve Watson, Roma Lorimer, Thelma Knight, Messrs Jack Figgins and K T. M'Connell (who scored as the Portuguese Twins), J. M'Donakl, T. Direen, Ernest Griffin, Dave Bell, Clarence Paine, N. Lindsay, and W. Robertson. Tho dancing and the mounting of the show were obviously two of the most important factors that contributed to its success. In every speeding Operatic Society performance the dancing has become a feature, and in this respect last night’s presentation easily capped its predecessors. Miss Rosetta Powell’s skill as ballet mistress was immediately apparent in tho first striking dance number, and that impression was heightened as the performance proceeded. All the ballets possessed grace, colour, and appeal and lent a distinctive atmosphere to the whole performance. The young lady who found herself in difficulties with her flimsy costume in the first ballet may take a great deal of the storm of applause that followed the presentation to herself for the way in which she carried on under most trying circumstances. It is very refreshing to see such a spirit displayed. On the costuming and settings much depends, and last evening the stage was, in the important scenes, a blaze of colour. The ladies’ dresses wore particularly attractive. Mr Kirk-Burnnand conducted an excellent orchestra and produced the music very effectively, the finale to tlio first act being a really noteworthv example of choral development. This ‘chorus has almost grand opera weight and significance. It was very well developed, hut hardly reached the volume to be expected from such an ensemble. Moreover, much depends upon tho high sustained notes of the soprano, and Miss Do Clifford’s voice has not quite the edge—the penetration—to secure full effectiveness. ‘ Tlio Bello of Now York ’ is to be played every evening this week, with an added matinee performance on Saturday. It can bo cordially commended to tlio public as an excellent entertainment.